Should Augusta National Admit Women?

[12thMan]

Pretty straightforward question.

While I think it's time for them to come into the 21st century and allow women to become members, I don't feel people hold the organization or the tournament in low regard because they haven't.

That said, if Augusta had a policy that didn't allow minorities people would be boycotting and outraged until they overturned it.

[Chico23231]

yes, point blank its effing retarded.

[mooby]

Yep, even though it's not hurting the club as you said 12th, there's no reason in this day and age women shouldn't be allowed to join.

[JoeRedskin]

So, is it okay for any group, be they black, white, male, female, Hispanic, senior citizens, Christian, atheist, etc., etc. to say "This group is closed to any one not of the group". If you accept direct government funding, I think the answer is obviously "No". What if you accept no funding? Is it okay for political incorrect exclusive clubs to exist?

I'm not asking legally, but, from the gut -- "In this day and age" is it okay for a group of Blacks to exclude whites from a private club? Do we allow people to gather "with their own kind" - whatever that kind is? If so, why? If not, why not?

[12thMan]

Joe, sometimes I get the impression that you like to hear yourself talk

What's a bit strange for me is that I don't look "down", as it were, on Augusta or it's members. I do think they are a bunch of good old boys that just want to keep things the way they are. And you know what, I can't blame them one bit or judge them. I think it's more about class in their mind than gender. I don't agree with it, but I do get it. Some clubs are simply defined by their exclusivity, prestige, and air of mystic.

[RedskinRat]

It's a private club, membership by invitation. No, they shouldn't be forced to allow women.

[VegasSkinsFan]

Have to agree with Rat on this one. If a private club wants to limit membership to select people I have no issue as long as they aren't taking any public funding.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Joe, sometimes I get the impression that you like to hear yourself talk.

Well, no one else does, so it's up to me. Of course, it helps that I am the most interesting man I know.

As to Augusta, I got no problem with "exclusive" clubs so long as they aren't taking funds from the general public or otherwise benefitting through special perks, etc.

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by VegasSkinsFan

Have to agree with Rat on this one. If a private club wants to limit membership to select people I have no issue as long as they aren't taking any public funding.

Not to mention the kitchen at Augusta isn't THAT big, and there's only so many sandwiches that need making.

[Alvin Walton]

Its a private club.
They should be able to have any type of membership they want.
Its no ones place to say otherwise, especially the govt.

[DynamiteRave]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

It's a private club, membership by invitation. No, they shouldn't be forced to allow women.

Eh. As a woman, I'm prone to agree. It's an archaic and incredibly stupid rule but it IS a private club, meaning they can reject whoever, no matter how despicable the rule is.

Aren't there still country clubs that don't allow blacks as members? I remember it wasn't TOO long ago that the country club in Chevy Chase started allowing black members... I believe. I don't think I'm dreaming that up... Or maybe it was a different issue pertaining to black membership. I'm not certain. Someone correct me if they know.

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

It's a private club, membership by invitation. No, they shouldn't be forced to allow women.

Have to agree here.

[RedskinRat]

Also useful way to decide what kind of people you want to associate with.

Me? I'm going somewhere where they have women and 21st Century attitudes, eff Augusta!

[Monksdown]

This topic started an argument with my girlfriend and I. We compared it to colleges having to admit women. I went to VMI, and the discussion was a big part of my life back then.

In the end we agreed that if you receive tax dollars you should have to oblige the public in general. If you are completely privately funded, it's at the discretion of the members that donate their $$.

Sex is a protected class when considering employment. I dont believe however that it's protected in this instance. I'm not an attorney, so that's just my uninformed opinion.

We need a break from our wives for christ sake. What's so bad about just having a place for us? I would further argue that women would be infringing on my right to happiness by forcing the issue. The problem is my rights cant be protected if they harm someone else's rights.

[Monkeydad]

No. It's a private male club.

I'm not allowed in Excitement Video on Ladies Night either...same deal.






Wait, I meant to say Bed Bath and Beyond.


Women have PLENTY of their own organizations and clubs of their own and men do not whine constantly about getting in...we just accept it.

Augusta has the right to conduct their business however they want.